The governor signed legislation today that provides accurate data on jury demographics and addresses one of the top reasons jurors may be unable to serve. Senate Bill 5128, sponsored by Sen. Yasmin Trudeau, requires the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) to collect data on juror demographics. It also requires AOC to establish a childcare assistance program workgroup.
“Having a diverse jury pool is crucial for ensuring fairness and access to justice in our criminal legal system,” said Trudeau. “This bill will provide real data-driven solutions and allow us to better monitor jury demographics.”
AOC, which requested the legislation, will provide all courts with a method to collect data on juror demographics, including race, ethnicity, age, sex, employment status, educational attainment, and income. This data must be reported in a manner that preserves juror anonymity.
Trudeau also secured funding in the operating budget to administer a jury pay pilot program in Pierce county. The program also requires the office of the superior court to compare juror demographics after the pay increase as compared to data collected from the 2022 jury demographic survey.
“This pilot will allow us to track how the increases in pay bring more diversity in jury pools because it removes the barrier for low wage and hourly workers, who tend to be more people of color and women,” said Trudeau.
AOC will also establish a workgroup to design a childcare assistance program for parents reporting for jury service, to make sure that lack of childcare does not prevent people from serving. The workgroup will report its recommendations to the Legislature by Dec. 1, 2024.
